Clarke ton puts Australia in command

Michael Clarke was laughed at after suggesting that Australia could bounce back to win the series after the 347-run mauling at England's hands at Lord's. But on Thursday, many detractors would have been wiping off their grins after the Australian captain led a much improved batting performance with a sterling 24th Test century and was involved in an unbroken 174-run stand with Steve Smith (70 not out) to take the Baggy Greens to a commanding 303/3 by the end of Day 1 of the third Ashes Test.

Clarke took 32 balls to move from 90 to 100 but it was worth the wait for a beleaguered touring group, who stood up as one and applauded a sparkling effort. The right-handed batsman went on to finish with an unbeaten 125 and he now looks good to score a few more in his bid to live up to what many thought was a tall promise.

A lot of talk, leading up to the Old Trafford Test, had revolved around the state of the pitch with Clarke and his deputy Brad Haddin raising questions on the kind of surface dished out for a crucial match in a series they were trailing 0-2. However, after winning the toss, Australia, who made three changes, recalling David Warner, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon, got off to a strong start. Chris Rogers and Shane Watson looked confident and aggressive on a pitch that did not seem to do much for England's bowlers. The openers raced away to 76 before Watson was snared by Tim Bresnan for 19, who was teased outside the off stump. Watson fell for the bait and edged it to Alastair Cook at the slip cordon.

Usman Khwaja was rewarded with a number three place in the line-up following his gritty half-century in the second innings at Lord's but he struggled to get off the mark against some tight bowling by the hosts, who had pulled up their socks after some early gaffes. However, in another bizarre DRS call, the southpaw was left stunned after his referral to overrule the on-field umpire's decision was turned down. Graeme Swann got the ball to turn a long way from the left-handed Khwaja and a loud appeal for a catch behind the stumps to Matt Prior was upheld. On referring the call, TV replays showed the bat was no where near the ball and Hot Spot show the batsman had not edged it. But in a shocking decision, Khawaja was asked to leave the field, prompting the Australian Prime Minister to criticise the incident later.

At 82/2, out came Clarke to join a fluent Rogers in the middle, minutes away from lunch. The two were not ready to back down and played some delightful shots. Rogers moved past 20,000 first class runs and brought up a fine half-century and was looking good to become the first Australian to score a hundred in the series before he was trapped lbw by Swann for a compact 84. Australia slipped to 129/3 and it looked like Clarke would have to do the bulk of the job as Smith walked out. The latter had had a forgettable time in the Ashes till that point and it would have taken a lot of effort to set things right. But even as an edgy looking Darren Lehmann watched from the sidelines, the two batsmen at the crease went to work.

While Smith settled into a more passive role, Clarke took on the might of the English bowling, laying particular emphasis on attacking Swann. The Aussie skipper was clearly the winner in an interesting battle and set the hosts back with some crisp drives on both sides of the wicket. Clarke also turned his attention to Stuart Broad, who was desperate to get his 200th Test wicket. Short balls were punished with disdain and the runs seemed to flow for the Australians, who were basking under a bright sun.

Smith continued to frustrate the English bowlers after a huge appeal for lbw off Broad was turned down - the ball was headed for the middle stump but since England had lost both their reviews, Cook and the bowler could only look with disbelief. Despite all the talk, nothing much happened with the pitch and Smith batted with a lot of composure to help his captain set a strong platform for Australia.

With Warner due to come in at number six, on the back of a big hundred against South Africa A, England have their task cut out. There has been so far, no swing, no movement and not much hint of turn. But with the hot and humid conditions here, the pitch is bound to create some rough areas and that could help Lyon as the game progresses. For now, though, Australia's batsmen have finally started to deliver and a strong first innings total will put a lot of pressure on England for the rest of the match.

England were also dealt a blow with Broad suffering from some niggles. The all-rounder had to return to the dressing-room to get some treatment but looked uncomfortable in his bowling stride after getting back to the field. The second new ball did not work for the hosts and that allowed Australia to finish the first day on a high.

When cricket lovers wake on Thursday, they will be consumed with excitement. A concoction of nerves, energy and enthusiasm overcome in readiness for the first day of the Australian Test summer. For Australian and English supporters, there is extra emotion attached for an Ashes series.

Australia captain Michael Clarke was a relieved man after hitting his 8th ODI century in an 88-run win over England at Old Trafford as he played a key role in his first victory over a Test nation in seven months.